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Clone Wars in Russia: Chinese Counterfeits Auto Parts Flood Marketplaces?
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Chinese companies have begun supplying large volumes of counterfeit auto parts to Russian online marketplaces, targeting both foreign and domestic brands, according Izvestia on July 23.
This trend has sharply accelerated in 2025. Ilarion Demchikov, marketing director of auto parts marketplace Emex, reported that the number of fake components on the Russian market increased by over 20% in the first quarter alone.
According to Emex, the most commonly affected items include wiper blades, brake discs and pads, filters, and automotive fluids.
These include parts for brands that have exited the Russian market—such as batteries for German vehicles, LED lights, filters for Korean cars, and other consumables.
In addition to foreign brands, Chinese sellers are replicating components of Russian manufacturers. “By mimicking the design and packaging style of local parts, smaller Chinese suppliers create the illusion of domestic origin,” Demchikov explained.
Alexey Kostalev, a representative of the AutoRus Group, added that Chinese sellers often list imitations at lower prices. As a result, marketplace algorithms prioritize these listings, pushing genuine products further down in search results and directing orders toward counterfeiters.
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The cloning issue extends beyond the auto sector. “This is a systemic trend observed across multiple product categories,” said Askar Rakhimberdiev, CEO of inventory management platform MoySklad. He noted that some marketplaces lack reliable seller verification systems or tools to protect intellectual property and brand identity.
Chinese suppliers, facing intense domestic competition, are seeking new export opportunities, according to Alexey Ivanov, owner of the Alliance Trucks dealership network. “Russia, with its advanced e-commerce infrastructure, is a primary target,” he said.
Manufacturers are responding by filing pre-litigation claims to have counterfeit listings removed. However, Ivanov noted that takedowns have limited impact, as new counterfeit listings often reappear under different seller names.
Earlier, Ukraine’s military intelligence revealed that Russia is testing a new “mini Shahed” drone built largely from Chinese civilian components. According to analysts, the UAV—designated ЦБТС.611000—features electronics, propulsion, and control systems from China’s CUAV Technology, highlighting growing reliance on foreign-sourced parts for swarm-capable loitering munitions.
